2007 Global Conference on Nonviolence and Peace

In fulfillment of the United Nations declaration of the first decade of the 21st century as the “Decade for a Culture of Nonviolence and Peace,” the hosting rights for the year 2007 Global Conference for Nonviolence and Peace was awarded to Nigeria by the GLOBAL NONVIOLENCE CONFERENCE SERIES with its head quarters in the United States.

Since the declaration by the UN in 1999, the Global Conference has been held in the following countries: U.S.A-2 times, South Africa, Cuba, India and Columbia. The Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria was named host organization and Nigeria,

host nation. THE GLOBAL CONFERENCE ON

NONVIOLENCE AND PEACE took place in Abuja-Nigeria from December 3rd – 5th 2007. Below is the communiqué:

A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE THREE DAY GLOBAL CONFERENCE ON NONVIOLENCE AND PEACE HELD AT THE LADI KWALI CONFERENCE HALL, SHERATON HOTEL AND TOWERS, ABUJA, NIGERIA, DECEMBER 3rd – 5th, 2007.

The Global Conference ended with the following resolutions and observations:

The amount and sophistication of deadly weapons of destruction in wrong hands in Nigeria, if not checked, can destabilize not only Nigeria but the entire West Africa sub-region.

The rising incidence of violence globally is a major threat to global peace. Terrorism, armed robbery, contract killings, ethno religious riots, political violence, violent military actions, kidnappings and hostage taking have all made the world an endangered place.

A violent community does not develop, because it finds it difficult to attract and sustain business enterprises.

The prevailing violence in certain parts of Nigeria should be immediately stemmed to avoid the imminent slide to anarchy and lawlessness.

It is not appropriate to only condemn and demonise the youths of the Niger Delta since they could be transformed through the Nonviolence training and transformation programme to lead and live responsibly.

It is established through the conference that over 80% of the militants in the Niger Delta region are desirous of going to the FEHN’s Nonviolence Training Programmes for their liberation from the clutches and burden of violence.

The impact of the Nonviolence Training and Transformation Programme on the already transformed youths is gradually bringing about a new awareness in the region.

Any development plan for the Niger Delta region that does not seek to first, transform the mindsets of a critical mass of the militants, will surely fail.

They could only be transformed through the Nonviolence training programme.

Shell is commended for having sponsored over 350 youths to the Nonviolence Programme.

Governments, individuals and corporate bodies should help FEHN in the establishment of West Africa’s first Nonviolent Centre in the states of Nigeria to drastically curb the rising incidence of violence as the Columbian experience has shown.

President Musa Yar’ Adua’s sincere efforts to redress the wrongs of the past are commendable. Therefore, all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political learning---as well as the international community should support him to succeed.

The contribution of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Chevron, and the Akwa Ibom State Government under His Excellency, Arc. (Obong) Victor

Attah to the transformation of no fewer than 500 youths of the Niger Delta should be emulated by others.

Nonviolence education should form part of Nigeria school curriculum.

African governments should inaugurate a commission to be saddled with the responsibility of regulating religious activities as a way of promoting religious tolerance.

Facilities in Nigerian institutions of learning should be upgraded for better learning environment and behavior of students.